May the calm be widespreadMay the sea glisten like the greenstoneAnd may the glimmer of summer dance across your pathways

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Mellow Yellow

I have a real problem, in that I am constantly losing my garden tools as I go about working in the yard. For example, I start out in one place, perhaps trimming off dead leaves or doing a little pruning, then stopping to go and find some twine to tie up a plant. I put down the clippers, or whatever tool I am using, ready to pick it up when I return. After returning and tying up the offending plant, often times I will see something else which needs my attention, so off I go to take care of it.Next thing I know, it could be an hour or so later, several other garden chores completed and I remember the tool I had been using earlier on. Sheesh! where did I put it down? I look and look, and can't see it. First of all, my eyesight is not as good as it used to be, secondly, the color of most gardening tools, is such, that they blend in with the color of their surroundings on the ground.

I have tried wearing an apron with a large pocket to carry the tools. Didn't like it tied around my waist. I tried using a small basket to put the tools in. I would take one tool to use, then soon I had moved along doing my chores, and there the basket would sit, half way across the yard.I say " enough already" I will solve my dilemma.

A can of bright yellow, rust preventing spray paint, and some creative painting, and VOILA!! my very old, but favorite garden tools are transformed. I should be able to spot these babies half way across the yard. If not, I had better visit my optometrist for some new eye glasses. *grin*Yes I know, I bent the truth a little. the color is not exactly a mello Yellow, but who could see such a pale shade of mellow yellow anyway? especially not me.

12 comments:

I do this all the time.... (lose garden tools that is.. not paint them yellow).. part of the joy of gardening. Good idea.... I guess you could also strap some bright tape around the handles too.... but whatever... at least you can see them.

I tried this with my hori hori, and I still lose it, but clients find it for me. "I found a dagger-shovel tool that might be yours..." I used cheap yellow spray paint instead of that yellow, so maybe I just didn't go bright enough.

I have the same problem. I call it gardening ADD. I see I'm not alone. Truthfully I find that if I can sprinkle some fun between my more utilitarian tasks, my mood is much improved. That is, until I discover that my shovel is MIA.

I thought about colored tape but I doubt it would last and there'd be that sticky residue... Paint, screaming yellow looks like the answer. Great post, as usual KeeWee.

LOL You being a Kiwi transplanted to the US, and me being a Yank transplanted to Australia - what a small world, eh? Thanks for stopping by my place and saying hi -I will enjoy watching a proper Spring get underway via your blog! Cheers!

This is really an excellent idea. I always lose my little spades! One day I was so panicked I just couldn't handle it and almost went and bought more spades. Then I managed to find them-both of them. I have some yellow paint, I can see them in that bright color as it would be most helpful. What a great idea!